Gameweek 3 - Genie's Corner and Trade Advice

This article will focus on trade advice that highlights players that are either worth trading in on a low, or trading out on a high. This could involve players who could see their minutes reduced, have a purple patch come to an end, or on the flip side involve players who might be starting to heat up. This article will also feature advice and strategy tips from our very own Draft Genie, and his interesting style of playing the game.

Players To Trade-IN

This section will focus on players to target in your trade offers. Usually there are two types of players to trade-in. The ones you "buy low" on, who may be in a poor patch of form, injured, or not seeing consistent minutes with all that about to change. The second is where you "buy high". While that will sound contradictory, these players could be showing no signs of slowing down and are en-route to a breakout season. You want to try and trade-in these players before they become unattainable, even if it involves offering more than what their draft-day or early-season value was.

Bruno Fernandes (MUN - MID)

Analysis: Bruno managers will be frustrated with back to back single digit outings from a player most likely taken with a top 3 pick. The fantasy scores don't tell the whole story, however. In the match vs. Fulham, Bruno missed two 1 v 1 chances, and I would have expected him to get at least one. In the game vs. Brighton, Bruno had himself an assist, but the goal itself was chalked off because Zirkzee decided to unnecessarily touch the ball when it was a few cm from crossing the line. As you see a few different bounces and no-one is worried about Bruno. But now managers will be panicking with players such as: Saka, Haaland, Palmer, and Salah all significantly outscoring him. Bruno's match vs Liverpool could be more of the same, or it could be the start of the Bruno we know and trust, who has always provided first round value. United will also be welcoming back Hojlund and Shaw in the next few weeks, while a new CDM signing is expected and De Ligt is likely to replace Maguire. Remove Rashford from the XI as well, and this United team should significantly improve in the very near future, with Bruno benefiting, of course.

This is most likely the cheapest Bruno will be all season, barring a stinker vs. Liverpool. I still expect Bruno to be a top 3 player, with every chance of being the top fantasy scorer. Bruno also has at least 35 starts in his locker, with him rarely ever missing a game through injury. He is most likely on penalties, and commands majority of set-plays as well. There is really no reason to worry here, and Bruno should be your top trade target; go all in for him.

Trade Offer Value: While very few managers would agree with me, I would still have Bruno as my 1-1 pick, and would literally trade any other asset 1:1 for him. But that doesn't mean you should. If you have one of Saka, Haaland, Salah, or Palmer, you may not need to use them to get Bruno. Outside of those 4, offer out any other first rounder 1:1 for Bruno and see where that gets you for an opening offer. I would also try to offer that manager some more depth in a different kind of offer. Combining your 2nd and 3rd/4th rounder to get back Bruno + 1 is also a very possible deal. An offer such as Maddison + Cunha to get back Bruno + CHO/Minteh/Fatawu is a fair deal, and one I would do every day. A deal with that kind of structure has a win-win feeling, but will also allow you to roster two first round assets, always a win in my books!

Rodrigo Muniz (FUL - FWD)

Analysis: Muniz is another player I would consider unlucky to not have more fantasy points. He has looked brilliant in the first two fixtures vs. United and Leicester, delivering 8.75 and 10.75 points, respectively, in those games without any returns. He had 7 shots in the game vs. Leicester and was very unlucky to not get at least 1 goal. Muniz looks hungry, and is the clear first choice at Fulham. We still don't know if it will be him or Andreas on penalties, but that would only improve his value. I think Muniz can be a high end FWD2 with FWD1 upside this season. He is proving to have the ghost point potential of a FWD1 although he needs to start adding in some returns.

Fulham's next four fixtures should finally allow Muniz to get on the scoresheet at least once, if not multiple times. Similar to Bruno, he may not be cheaper than he is right now. Fulham look like a strong attacking team, and have added Berge and Andersen to their ranks, two assets that will help them keep the ball and control the tempo of the game even more, of course leading to more chances for Muniz to get on the scoresheet. I am not sure Muniz can be brought in for cheaper than his draft day potential, but I would be potentially willing to overpay to bring him in. He was usually a 5th-6th round pick in summer drafts.

Trade Offer Value: I would offer some over-performing strikers in deals for Muniz right now. While you couldn't sell these guys 1:1 for Muniz, a package including one of: Welbeck, Fatawu, Wood, Hudson-Odoi, and Minteh can be used in deals for Muniz. Depending on the level of striker you are offering you will need to add in an extra asset. I recommend adding in a midfielder that offers a solid floor, but not much upside. Midfielders such as: Wharton, Mainoo, the over-performing Soucek, and Joelinton would make good additions. While this may get some stick I would happily offer: Van Dijk or Rice in a 1:1 deal for Muniz. Both assets were drafted before Muniz but lack the same upside as the Fulham forward.

Players To Trade-OUT

This section will focus on players that you should be actively trying to trade out over the next week or so. These players could be on course to see a minute reduction or be having a bad season that it seems they can't recover from. A lot of times name value players will feature here, as you will still find managers who believe they can return to their glory days. Each season brings new challenges and as we have seen even the very best assets can fall off a cliff in just a single season (e.g., 23/24 Rashford). Look to trade out these players before their value becomes so low that you may need to consider dropping them.

Andreas Pereira (FUL - MID)

Analysis: Andreas has had a very good start to the season with back to back double digit ghosting performances. He leads the league with 13 key passes in just two games. Why on Earth would you want to trade him out then? Well, I won't be exactly sounding the alarm for Andreas, but I do think you can use him to get a player that offers a more "well-rounded" influx of points. Outside of the 13 key passes, he has only recorded 1 dribble, 1 accurate cross not a corner (ACNC), and 4 aerials as his other points. To me this is a bit of a red-flag. Outside of key passes, he really offers no other route to points, unless he takes some penalties. Of course, he should pop with at least 1 goal this season even when playing deeper, but that still isn't convincing enough for me. Of the 13 key passes he has managed this season, just 1 is from open play.

To me this is not really a sustainable form of points. We know United give up a ton of chances, and Leicester are going to be a prime team to stream against for attacking potential, so can he really continue to get 5+ key passes from sets every gameweek? I really don't think so, or we might be looking at KDB level key pass numbers. With how little else he contributes on the pitch (point wise), he is definitely a sell high. He has thrived in his deeper role, but he will frustrate fantasy managers sooner rather than later. If you cannot receive an upgrade on Andreas, holding him is not the worst idea as well. But if he enters his yearly single digit patch you will find him nearly impossible to trade him out.

Trade Offer Value: I would try to get underperforming midfielders such as: Garnacho, Bailey, Szoboszlai, and last week's flop Bernardo Silva for Andreas. Start with a 1:1 offer, and if needed look to throw in 5-15 FAB or a DEF3/MID5. If you want to think big, then using Pereira as a 2nd asset to get a player such as: Eze or Gordon could be possible. A combination of Andreas + Kulusevski, Cunha, Martinelli, Nkunku, or Rice may tempt a manager, especially if they lack depth in midfield/forward. Throwing in a classic "genie sweetener" isn't the worst idea as well.

Marcus Rashford (MUN - FWD)

Analysis: Rashford is about to enter droppable territory, and could be set to ride the bench for a bit. Rashford has arguably been one of United's poorest performers in the opening two games of the season. In terms of fantasy, his numbers have been worse than streamer level with 3.25 and 1 point in his 2 starts. It baffles fans that Ten Hag is choosing to persist with him instead of letting Garnacho and Amad start on the wings. Well, another poor performance, and another "almost" Garnacho game-saving moment could force Ten Hag's hand. I don't expect Rashford to start vs. Liverpool, but even if he does, why would you want to start him? There will be very few managers in your league interested in Rashford. But while you may think you are selling low, in 2-3 weeks time his value will likely be even worse than now. Your best bet is to target the Garnacho or Amad manager, or a United fan who may be trying to buy low for whatever reason. Try to sell them on the decent schedule after Liverpool, and the fact that they need to handcuff Rashford with Amad or Garnacho to guarantee a starting United winger every week. Rashford's "comeback" season will need to do a complete 180 if he has any hopes of saving his United career.

Trade Offer Value: Rashford's value is really tricky right now. He was taken between rounds 5-7 in most leagues, but is barely returning round 15 value. Firstly, if you are looking for a 1:1 trade you could offer him out for players taken slightly lower in the draft, but have better value right now. Dalot, Iwobi, Minteh, and Elanga are all players I would rather roster over Rashford right now. Some of these players will be harder to get than others - so look to throw in FAB or a DEF3 type of asset like Saliba. In my opinion it would be best to try and package Rashford as part of a larger deal. Aiming for upside players that are looking to continue to offer round 3-4 value. Players such as: Cunha, Joao Pedro, and Jackson. You will need to package Rashford with assets such as: Tavernier, Fatawu, Smith-Rowe, and Hudson-Odoi as well as throw in some FAB to have a chance at any of those players. I would even consider throwing in a third asset such as Wharton, Paqueta, or Wissa if it will get the deal across the line.

Strategy Section

This section will highlight some of my unique strategies I use in Fantrax, and how you can apply them to your own style. I will look to discuss trends I am seeing in leagues, or tactics that I may shift to, that will better my chances of winning my league. A lot of these strategies could involve a high-risk high-reward approach, or be tactics I see my fellow managers using that I will be advocating against.

Who Are the Early-Season Droppables

Analysis: Well, every year we have the same dilemma - deciding if this so far flop is actually droppable. I talked about the importance of chopping and churning in last week's edition, but this week I will be listing out some of the players in two categories (Drop now, or Drop next week if another poor performance/benching). My recommendation is to try and trade-out these assets for even some FAB before dropping, and if if no-one bites, proceed with the drop. Of course, not all players I believe are droppable can be covered, but I will be highlighting ones that are front of mind.

Drop Now Players:

• Solly March (MID, BHA) - Doesn't have a defined role & is injured, will struggle to get more than 8 starts.

• John McGinn (MID, AVL) - Not worth rostering, will continue this poor scoring.

• Abdoulaye Doucoure (MID, EVE) - Everton are a mess, he is part of the problem.

• Stephy Mavididi (FWD, LEI) - Back to Back benchings, too rotational on a poor team.

• Ross Barkley (MID, AVL) - Will struggle for starts, stream when in the XI, but will take time.

• James Ward-Prowse (MID, WHU) - Shouldn't have been drafted, an elite streamer at best (DISCLAIMER: HOLD UNTIL WINDOW CLOSES JUST IN CASE HE GETS A MOVE ELSEWHERE)

• Jacob Murpy (MID, NEW) - Poor scores, usually first sub and will contest with Barnes.

• Harvey Elliott (MID, LIV) - Szobo's backup will struggle for starts, an elite streamer.

• Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (MID, CHE) - Very over-drafted, droppable, won't start unless there are injuries.

• Jarell Quansah (DEF, LIV) - Pains me, but too rotational and Konate just kept a clean sheet.

• Adam Armstrong (FWD, SOU) - Saints Forecast labelled him as a DND, proving to be just that. Drop and stream that position.

• Conor Bradley (DEF, LIV) - A very elite streamer, but is not cracking this XI without an injury. Drop and use the spot on a better punt.

• Oleksandr Zinchenko (DEF, ARS) - That LB rotation is going to be a nightmare and he is probably third choice.

  
  

Drop If 1 more Benching/Poor Score:

• Malo Gusto (DEF, CHE) - Scoring very poor in his inverted role and Reece is back soon.

• Marc Cucurella (DEF, CHE) - Another poor scoring Chelsea DEF, drop if another poor score.

• Omari Hutchinson (MID, IPS) - Two tough opening games, see how he does this GW. Drop if under 5 again.

• Rodrigo Gomes (FWD, WOL) - Forest a better test, another poor performance/benching, drop.

• Jack Harrison (MID, EVE) - Decent GW1, see how he does vs. Fulham.

• Destiny Udogie (DEF, TOT) - Clean sheet dependent, try to trade out ASAP.

• Ethan Pinnock (DEF, BRE) - Collins is the new Pinnock.

• Chris Richards (DEF, CRY) - This back 5 isn't helping him reach the heights of last year. Andersen is gone too.

• Leif Davis (DEF, IPS) - Two very poor scores although vs. title contenders, Ipswich DEF is leaky, another poor performance and he's a drop.

• Ismaila Sarr (FWD, CRY) - This one is a hold until GW4. If no start then, and Eddie does sign, drop him.

• Crysencio Summerville (FWD, WHU) - Wait until GW5/6, but if he hasn't had his first start by then, drop him.

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